Where you grew up and your background can often have surprising effects on our lives and careers. We’ve asked folks from the community to tell us about how their background has affected them.

Travis Bell

I was born and raised in Ohio before relocating to Arizona at the age of fourteen. From a young age, I was instilled with the values of hard work and integrity. If I want something, I need to earn it. These principles continue to guide me more than twenty-five years later. I recognize the significance of loyalty and reliability and consistently strive to treat others with respect. I believe attitude and drive can make or break a business. Read More>>

Jenefer Ardell Miller

I’m originally from the Detroit area of Michigan, and my upbringing there shaped much of who I am today. Growing up in the Midwest instilled resilience, adaptability, and a strong sense of community — qualities that have carried into both my teaching and my work in the tap dance world. I was introduced to tap as a child, and it immediately left a lasting imprint on me. As a teenager, I had the life-changing opportunity to learn from historical hoofers and later, through the mentorship of Professor Robert Reed and Dianne Walker, to study with legends such as the Nicholas Brothers, Jimmy Slyde, and Buster Brown. Read More>>

Jesse Broniste

I am originally from Southern California. Spent time growing up in Orange County as well as the high desert. It was my time spent in a small desert town that really led to music becoming foundational in my life. I come from a line of musicians and picked up multiple instruments early on. But there wasn’t much to do in that area, so that was the time when I began writing music in my room as well as forming a foundation of faith. Both elements became integral in navigating life’s troubles which contributed to the sound and image of Traumatone as well as who I am personally. Read More>>